Mpox: Clade 1b a global threat, but not the new COVID-19

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Mpox: A global threat, but not the new COVID-19
Colorized transmission electron micrograph of an mpox virus particle (yellow and red) found within an infected VERO E6 cell (purple), cultured in the laboratory. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Image cedit: NIAID

Just when we thought we were done with global health emergencies, mpox and its Clade 1b decides to crash the party.

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

But before you start panic-buying toilet paper again, let’s break down what this really means.

New mpox kid on the block: Clade 1b

The culprit behind this new alert is a strain of mpox called clade 1b.

It’s been causing quite a stir in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has spread its wings to neighboring countries.

Over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been reported in the DRC alone this year. That’s more than all of last year, and we’re only in August.

WATCH: What is mpox?

According to the CDC, mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people.

But here’s the good news:

Hans Kluge, WHO’s European director, wants you to take a deep breath.

“Mpox is not the new COVID,” he says.

Why?

Because this is humanity’s first rodeo with a pandemic and we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve this time:

  1. We know this virus: Mpox isn’t a new player. It’s been around since 1970, and we’ve had time to study its playbook.
  2. We have tools: There are vaccines and treatments available, unlike the early days of COVID-19.
  3. We know how to control it: The main transmission route is close skin-to-skin contact, which is easier to manage than an airborne virus.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said earlier this month “significant efforts are already underway in close collaboration with communities and governments”.

Frontlines are reinforcing measures to curb mpox. She explained: “With the growing spread of the virus, we’re scaling up further through coordinated international action to support countries bring the outbreaks to an end.”

Mpox: Global response

WHO released $1.45 million (approximately R26 million) from their emergency fund and are looking to raise $15 million (R270 million) more.

Vaccines are also being prepped for distribution, especially to lower-income countries.

Africa – the epicenter of this outbreak – isn’t sitting idle either. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is gearing up to start vaccinations within days.

Jean Kaseya, the Africa CDC Director General, says they’re making sure everything from supply chains to storage is ready for the vaccine rollout.

What this means for you

While the situation is serious, there’s no need for panic.

Here’s what you should know:

  • The WHO isn’t recommending mass vaccinations or mask-wearing.
  • Vaccines will be used in outbreak settings for high-risk groups.
  • The main transmission route is still close skin-to-skin contact.

Yes, mpox is a concern, and yes, it’s spreading. But we’re not facing another COVID-19 scenario. We have the knowledge, the tools, and the experience to tackle this outbreak head-on.

As Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, puts it, “It’s clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives.”

So, stay informed, stay calm, and maybe give that handshake a rain check for now.

We’ve got this, folks.

Read the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) useful guide here.

Cheryl Kahla has dedicated her career to exploring the intersections of tech and society. With contributions to numerous international outlets, she provides insights into emerging tech trends, AI, science, and the impact of digital innovations. Outside of writing, Cheryl indulges in gaming, martial arts, and debating the merits of AI with her cat, Gotham. He’s indifferent to the subject.

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